SPOT Updates GPS Satellite Tracker
Ludovic Privat, GPS Business News
SPOT LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. is unveiling today its new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. The new device is 30% smaller and lighter (5.2 ounces/147 grams) than the original SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker, offers additional custom messaging modes, and uses the Amy-5M GPS chipset from u-blox.
SPOT LLC is showcasing its line of products and services this week at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Unlike many other GPS locator relying on cellular networks for communication, SPOT relies on the satellite communication system from Globalstar which makes it perfectly adapted for outdoor sports. The only competition in this field is from personal location beacons (for example the Fast Find 210 from McMurdo) which cost a minimum of $300 and are only for emergency, without the possibility to send location messages to family and friends.
The new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger also has some features to enhance the usability such as a GPS Acquisition light and a “Message sent” indicator light. There are also covers over S.O.S and Help buttons to prevent inadvertent messages. This new SPOT Satellite GSP Messenger is scheduled to be available at select retailers later this fall. Price has not been indicated at this stage, it is however likely to be in the range of the older model, around $149 with a one year service subscription starting at $99.
Since its market introduction at the end of 2007, SPOT has initiated more than 250 rescues and sent over 10 million peace-of-mind and track-me messages around the world. As of March 31, 2009 the Company had received orders to ship more than 120,000 units and it currently has a growing global network of more than 8,000 points of distribution.